Indian students are increasingly shifting away from traditional study-abroad destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, opting instead for countries and programs that prioritize career outcomes, affordability, and flexibility.

According to the Transnational Education (TNE) Report 2024-25 by upGrad, applications to U.S. universities dropped 13% year-on-year, while Germany witnessed a dramatic rise in student interest—from 13.2% in 2022 to 32.6% in 2024-25. The UAE is also gaining traction, with Indian students making up 42% of its international cohort. By contrast, Canada’s share of Indian students declined from 17.85% to 9.3%.

The study, based on insights from over 100,000 respondents, highlights how financial pragmatism, digital readiness, and career-focused decision-making are shaping education choices. Key findings include:

Career Priorities Over Residency: Only 19.9% of students view permanent residency as their main goal, while 45.7% choose programs based on immediate career outcomes.

Funding Strategies: Students are largely self-reliant, with 33% using loans and 28% relying on scholarships.

Postgraduate Focus: A striking 86.5% of learners are pursuing Master’s degrees. Management and MBA enrollments have surged from 30% to 55.6% over three years, while STEM accounts for 38.9%.

Tier 2 Aspirations: More than half (57.2%) of FY25 enrolled learners come from Tier 2 cities, signaling the democratization of international education access.

Praneet Singh, Associate Vice President – University Partnerships, upGrad Study Abroad, noted:

“Indian students today are far more intentional about their education choices – driven by geopolitical awareness, cost consciousness, and the realities of stricter visa regimes and uncertain post-study pathways. The traditional ‘Big Four’ destinations are no longer the default; instead, Europe, the Middle East, and APAC are emerging as smarter, future-ready alternatives.”

The report further emphasizes structured global learning pathways that enable students to begin their academic journey in India, strengthen their professional skills, and strategically transition abroad. With flexible multi-geography articulation, learners can reassess and adjust destinations during Year 1, ensuring alignment with long-term personal and career goals.

This shift reflects a new era of student mobility, where ambition meets affordability and career outcomes outweigh geography.